No entry
yesterday as the wigglyamps disconnected me from my email; well that is my
excuse and I am sticking to it. There is a relaxed but focused atmosphere
in the camp and that is good. It would be all too easy to wind the tension
stakes up too early.
Horses and
riders had their first experience of riding in the Main Arena yesterday; the
Field of Play to give it its correct title – I rather like to refer to it as
the “Field of Dreams” as perhaps that is where dreams are realised or
broken. LOCOG have been very generous (and very sensible), riders will be
able to ride on the Field of Play on a daily basis from now until competition
starts. It is very important that the horses get as acclimatised as
possible to the arena; some para-equestrian dressage riders have limited
ability to “stay on board” if a horse becomes spooked or too excitable.
This poses another challenge for LOCOG and that is how they “educate” the
spectators – nobody wants a silent Games with no applause but it would be
terrible if the applause caused a horse to spook and a rider to fall;
discussions ongoing!!
Training was
followed by a trip up to ParalympicsGB House for a Press Conference.
ParalympicsGB House (was Team GB House during the Olympics) is situated in part
of the Westfield Centre and fills a number of functions: 1) It is a place
where sponsors and key personnel can be entertained, 2) it provides a venue for
non-accredited media to work from and meet athletes, 3) it is where
ParalympicsGB staff work from who do not have access to the Village and (very
importantly) 4) it is where athletes can meet up with their 'Nearest &
Dearest' in a relaxed and private environment. So the “House” is a busy
place!
The Press
Conference lasted about 45 minutes and that will be that for press commitments
until after competition; less of course for the Mixed Zone. All athletes
must go through the Mixed Zone once they have competed, almost immediately
after exciting the Field of Play. They must go through the Mixed Zone
although they do not have to speak to the media – you will have seen the
pictures of athletes being grabbed for TV interviews immediately after a race /
competition.
A fun evening
in Cafe Rouge then followed; grooms, staff and British Dressage staff who are working at the
Paralympics. BD is well represented here and it is great to see so many
friendly faces each day.
More training
today and a very important meeting between David Hunter, Sarah Armstrong and
myself; how everyone is going to get home! The planning for the departure
has to start early and with horses / grooms / staff / kit to get back to
the riders’ yards and the stables to strip out, the plan needs to be watertight!
The athletes will stay in London until the Closing Ceremony on 9th
September and the Team GB / ParalympicsGB Parade in London on 10th
September.
Yes, the place to be on 10th September is
London; big party!
I spent the
afternoon catching up on some admin but also made a quick visit to Westfield to
buy some trainers....with specially moulded insoles – how techno modern is
that?
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